Photon modulation management system for stimulation of a desired response in birds

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

0001The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/278,676, as filed Sep. 28, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/943,135, as filed Nov. 17, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/083,779, as filed on Nov. 24, 2014, and claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62/043,523, as filed Aug. 29, 2014, PCT Application No. PCT/US15/47239, as filed Aug. 27, 2015, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/197,949, as filed Mar. 5, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/772,856, as filed on Mar. 5, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/929,872, as filed on Jan. 21, 2014, the entire contents are herein incorporated by reference for all the application teaches and discloses.

0002The foregoing examples of related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the inventions described herein. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

0003The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

0004An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for inducing a desired response in a bird, the system comprising: at least one photon emitter; at least one photon emission modulation controller in communication with the at least one photon emitter; where the at least one photon emitter is configured to produce a photon signal to the bird, where the photon signal comprises two or more independent components, where the two or more independent components comprise: a first independent component comprising a repetitive first modulated photon pulse group, where the first modulated photon pulse group has one or more photon pulse ON durations between 0.01 microseconds and 5000 milliseconds with one or more intensities, has one or more photon pulse OFF durations between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours, and a wavelength color; and a second independent component comprising a repetitive second modulated photon pulse group, where the second modulated photon pulse group has one or more photon pulse ON durations between 0.01 microseconds and 5000 milliseconds with one or more intensities, has one or more second photon pulse OFF durations between is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours, and a wavelength color; where the first independent component and the second independent component are produced within the signal simultaneously; where the second modulated photon pulse group is different from the first modulated photon pulse group; and emitting the signal toward the bird from the at least one photon emitter, where the combined effect of the first modulated photon pulse group and the second modulated photon pulse group of the signal produces a desired response from the bird.

0005An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for inducing a desired response in a bird, where the method comprises: providing at least one emission modulation controller in communication with the at least one photon emitter; communicating a command from the at least one photon emission modulation controller to the at least one photon emitter; providing a photon signal to the bird, where the photon signal comprises two or more independent components, where the two or more independent components comprise: a first independent component comprising a repetitive first modulated photon pulse group, where the first modulated photon pulse group has one or more photon pulse ON durations between 0.01 microseconds and 5000 milliseconds with one or more intensities, has one or more photon pulse OFF durations between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours, and a wavelength color; and a second independent component comprising a repetitive second modulated photon pulse group, where the second modulated photon pulse group has one or more photon pulse ON durations between 0.01 microseconds and 5000 milliseconds with one or more intensities, has one or more second photon pulse OFF durations between is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours, and a wavelength color; where the first independent component and the second independent component are produced within the signal simultaneously; where the second modulated photon pulse group is different from the first modulated photon pulse group; and emitting the signal toward the bird from the at least one photon emitter, where the combined effect of first modulated photon pulse group and the second modulated photon pulse group of the signal produces a desired response from the bird.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

0006The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, example embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a diagram showing an example of a photon modulation growth system for stimulation of egg production.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a diagram showing an example of an individual color photon modulation growth system pulsing different specific wavelengths of light within a signal to induce egg production in a bird.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagram showing a photon emission modulation controller in communication with a plurality of photon emitters with sample LED arrays.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a diagram showing photon emission modulation through a master/slave LED array.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram showing a master logic controller in communication and control of a series of photon emitters.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a diagram showing a photon modulation management system in communication with a series of bird sensors.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a diagram showing a sample LED array in communication with various SSRs (Solid State Relays), power transistors or FETS.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>a </i></figref>is a photo showing the power converter, SPI, and microcontroller of a multiple colored die within a single LED.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>b </i></figref>is a photo showing the backside of the multiple colored die within a single LED of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a. </i>

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>c </i></figref>is a photo showing the high-speed switching circuitry for flashing of the multiple colored die within a single LED of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a. </i>

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>d </i></figref>is a photo showing the backside of the LED array of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>c </i></figref>with a replaceable multicolor die LED.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an example layout of LEDs within a LED array.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flow diagram showing a method of photon modulation for the stimulation of a desired response in a bird through pulsing of various wavelengths.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a flow diagram showing a method of stimulation of a desired response in a bird through the use of bird sensors.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of near red, with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 400 μs for the controlled stimulation of ovulation and egg laying in birds.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of near red and a photon pulse of far red, with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 600 μs for the controlled stimulation of ovulation and egg laying in birds.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a second graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of near red and a photon pulse of far red, where the two photon pulses have a different duration ON and duration OFF from the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 600 μs for the controlled stimulation of ovulation and egg laying in birds.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of blue and a photon pulse of green, with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 600 μs for the controlled stimulation of hunger and growth.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of blue, a photon pulse of green, and a pulse of near red with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 800 μs for the controlled stimulation of ovulation, egg production, hunger and growth.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of blue, a photon pulse of ultraviolet, a photon pulse of orange, a photon pulse of green, and a pulse of near red with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 600 μs for the controlled stimulation of ovulation, egg production, hunger and growth.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a third graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of near red and a photon pulse of far red, where the two photon pulses have a different duration ON and duration OFF from the examples shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 400 μs for the controlled stimulation of ovulation and egg laying in birds.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a fourth graph showing an example of a photon signal with a photon pulse of near red and a photon pulse of far red, where the two photon pulses have a different duration ON with different intensities and duration OFF from the examples shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, with the photon signal having a repetitive rate of 400 μs for the controlled stimulation of ovulation and egg laying in birds.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg production using lighting option 1 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg production using lighting option 2 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg production using lighting option 3 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg production using lighting option 4 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg production using lighting option 5 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg production using lighting option 6 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a graph showing a four-way comparison of average egg production using lighting option 4 of the current disclosure with standard day/night timing, 24 hour timing in comparison with a commercial control and the commercial average.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg size using lighting option 1 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg size using lighting option 2 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg size using lighting option 3 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg size using lighting option 4 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg size using lighting option 5 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average egg size using lighting option 6 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a graph showing a four-way comparison of average egg size using lighting option 4 of the current disclosure with standard day/night timing, 24 hour timing in comparison with a commercial control and the commercial average.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average bird weight in grams using lighting option 1 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average bird weight in grams using lighting option 2 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average bird weight in grams using lighting option 3 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average bird weight in grams using lighting option 4 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average bird weight in grams using lighting option 5 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref> is a graph showing a comparison of average bird weight in grams using lighting option 6 of the current disclosure with a commercial comparison.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref> is a graph showing a four-way comparison of average bird weight in grams using lighting option 4 of the current disclosure with standard day/night timing, 24 hour timing in comparison with a commercial control and the commercial average.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0050Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatuses and methods for inducing a desired response in egg laying vertebrates, such as birds or ayes, including but not limited to, chickens, grouse, quail, pheasant, quail, parrots, water fowl, geese, swans, doves, birds of prey, song birds, turkey, owls, vultures, penguins, hummingbirds, ostrich, duck or other birds, where the desired response includes but is not limited to fertility, ovulation, hunger, egg production, growth, sexual maturity, behavior and socialization and interpolation of circadian inputs. Examples include, but are not limited to; creating electro-magnetic wave emission pulse trains (photons) of individual color spectrums in sufficient intensity to drive photochemical response in a bird to stimulate egg production, using a characteristic frequency or pattern to minimize the required input power necessary to stimulate, while also allowing for the monitoring of the power consumption and other variables of the system. As will be discussed in further detail, by controlling the duty cycle, intensity, wavelength band and frequency of photon signals to a bird, such as stimulation of fertility, ovulation, or egg production or ovulation can not only be influenced by a human, but ovulation and egg production rates, size and quality, hunger, growth and mood can be controlled through the cycling between colors such as blue, green, yellow, near-red, far-red, infrared and ultra violet photon modulation.

0051Specifically by combining multiple repetitive wavelengths of photons pulses into photon signals at specific combination of rates, photochemical response by the birds can be optimized and controlled in order to stimulate egg production, development of pullets (young chickens) and poulets (young turkeys) and the finishing of birds or boilers (birds for meat).

0052The embodiments of the present disclosure induce a desired response in a bird, such as, hunger, fertility, sexual maturity, calming or production of eggs at a faster and or slower rate than traditional grow light systems used in egg laying or production. Each light “recipe” or option (a photon signal having one or more repetitive modulated photon pulse groups with one or more first photon pulse ON durations with one or more first intensities, one or more first photon pulse OFF durations, and a first wavelength color) can be optimized for each desired response to each species of bird.

0053An additional example embodiment to the methods, systems and apparatuses described herein may include less heat creation: LED lighting intrinsically creates less heat than conventional grow lights. When LED lights are used in a dosing application, they are ON less than they are OFF. This creates an environment with nominal heat production from the LED lights. This is not only beneficial in terms of not having to use energy to evacuate the heat from the system, but is beneficial to the bird because lighting may also be used to reduce animal stress or calm the animal while also reducing the risk of burning the bird.

0054For many types of birds, egg production is based on a day/night cycle, where longer day lengths induce increased egg production. As winter approaches egg laying decreases with many if not most species of bird. To combat the decrease in egg production, artificial light is often used in egg laying facilities to recreate or mimic a longer day length as opposed to night. Artificial light is often used throughout the chicken production process including but not limited to breeder houses, hatcheries, and broiler houses, to promote bird growth and egg production.

0055Growing birds within buildings and vertical farms requires the usage of powered lighting to provide essential light for egg production and animal growth. These lights often are electrically powered and emit photons used for biological processes such as ovulation, egg laying, muscle growth and development, mood control, and hunger. Examples of various light or photon sources include, but are not limited to, metal halide light, fluorescent light, high-pressure sodium light, incandescent light and LEDs.

0056While light is the key component of the egg production in birds, this system differs from other historical and even cutting edge lighting technologies as it is used as the fundamental controller of bird activity. Likewise, while LED technology is a core component of lighting in the present disclosure, it is a unique application of LED technology coupled with other engineering that dramatically expands the potential for reducing costs, increasing output, and enhancing control compared to existing lighting technology for the commercial production of eggs, breeder hens and broilers for meat.

0057An embodiment herein includes one or more repetitive modulated photon pulse groups within a photon signal, where each repetitive pulse group has individual color spectrums or ranges of color spectrums, including ultraviolet, blue, green, infrared, and/or red spectrums, at a frequency, intensity and duty cycle, which can be customized, monitored and optimized for the specific desired response, such as ovulation, egg production, hunger, mood and behavior, young bird growth and development as well as the finishing of broiler birds for meat while minimizing energy used in the system. By supplying control over the rates and efficiencies of modulated photon energy to the bird, different parts of the photostimulation of the bird's phytochromes located in the hypothalamus and the retina (such as red opsins and green opsins) photo receptors are maximized allowing for optimal influence on the desired response (such as egg laying) while also allowing for control of a birds response.

0058Opsins are a type of membrane bound phytochrome receptors found in the retina and the hypothalamus region of the brain of birds and mammals. Opsins mediate a variety of functions in birds and mammals, including ovulation, egg laying and behavior, through the conversion of photons of light into an electrochemical signal.

0059Photons are massless, elementary particles with no electric charge. Photons are emitted from a variety of sources such as molecular and nuclear processes, the quantum of light and all other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Photon energy can be absorbed by phytochromes in living birds, and convert it into an electrochemical signal which manipulates a metabolite.

0060This phenomenon can be seen in the vision opsin chromophore in humans. The absorption of a photon of light results in the photoisomerisation of the chromophore from the 11-cis to an all-trans conformation. The photoisomerization induces a conformational change in the opsin protein, causing the activation of the phototransduction cascade. The result is the conversion of rhodopsin into prelumirhodopsin with an all-trans chromophore. The opsin remains insensitive to light in the trans form. The change is followed by several rapid shifts in the structure of the opsin and also changes in the relation of the chromophore to the opsin. It is regenerated by the replacement of the all-trans retinal by a newly synthesized 11-cis-retinal provided from the retinal epithelial cells. This reversible and rapid chemical cycle is responsible for the identification and reception to color in humans. Similar biochemical processes exist in birds. Phytochromes and pheophytins behave very similarly to opsins in that they can be rapidly regulated to switch between the cis and trans configurations by dosing with differing wavelengths of light.

0061The responses of birds to the variations in the length of day and night involve photon absorption molecular changes that closely parallel those involved in the vision cycle in humans.

0062Bird responses to a photon signal with one or more specific photon modulations may be monitored depending upon the desired response. When the desired response is the production of eggs, the bird may be monitored for the release of luteinizing hormones, a heterodimeric glycoprotein to indicate impending ovulation in female birds. Luteinizing hormones may be monitored via blood or urinary samples. Samples may be taken daily or at various times during the day to identify the birds reaction to the photon modulation to ensure efficient egg production.

0063The present disclosure also provides methods and systems for the amount of electric power used in the process of bird egg production, as well as young and broiler bird growth and development, to be monitored and reduced, where the amount of energy delivered can be defined by calculating the total area under the graph of power over time. The present disclosure further provides methods and systems that allow for the monitoring, reporting and control of the amount of electric power used to stimulate a desired response in a bird, allowing an end user or energy provider to identify trends in energy use.

0064An embodiment of the system of the present disclosure comprises at least one photon emitter with at least one photon source, such as an LED in communication with a photon emission modulation controller, including but not limited to a digital output signal, a solid-state relay, field-effect transistor (“FET”) or power converter. Photon emitters are modulated to send a repetitive pulse, waveform or pulse train of photons, where each individual pulse comprises at least one color spectrum, wavelength or multiple color spectrums or wavelengths and is capable varying intensities. Each photon pulse is directed toward a bird for a duration of time ON, such as two milliseconds with one or more intensities, with a duration of delay or time OFF between photon pulses, such as two hundred milliseconds or up to 24 hours.

0065As used herein “bird” includes warm-blooded, vertebrates, including but not limited to, birds or ayes, including but not limited to, chickens, grouse, quail, pheasant, quail, parrots, water fowl, geese, swans, doves, birds of prey, song birds, turkey, owls, vultures, penguins, hummingbirds, ostrich, duck or other birds.

0066As used herein, “duty cycle” is the length of time it takes for a device to go through a complete ON/OFF cycle or photon signal. Duty cycle is the percent of time that an entity spends in an active state as a fraction of the total time under consideration. The term duty cycle is often used pertaining to electrical devices, such as switching power supplies. In an electrical device, a 60% duty cycle means the power is on 60% of the time and off 40% of the time. An example duty cycle of the present disclosure may range from 0.01% to 90% including all integers in between.

0067As used herein “frequency” is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time and any frequency may be used in the system of the present disclosure. Frequency may also refer to a temporal frequency. The repeated period is the duration of one cycle in a repeating event, so the period is the reciprocal of the frequency.

0068As used herein, the term “waveform” refers to the shape of a graph of the varying quantity against time or distance.

0069As used herein, the term “pulse wave” or “pulse train” is a kind of non-sinusoidal waveform that is similar to a square wave, but does not have the symmetrical shape associated with a perfect square wave. It is a term common to synthesizer programming, and is a typical waveform available on many synthesizers. The exact shape of the wave is determined by the duty cycle of the oscillator. In many synthesizers, the duty cycle can be modulated (sometimes called pulse-width modulation) for a more dynamic timbre. The pulse wave is also known as the rectangular wave, the periodic version of the rectangular function.

0070In an embodiment of the present disclosure and as will be described in further detail below, the emission of one or more repetitive photon pulses within a photon signal from the growth system described herein where each repetitive photon pulse has a duration ON with one or more intensities and a duration OFF, a wavelength band and duty cycle induces a gain efficiency greater than 1 where Gain=Amplitude out/Amplitude in.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> provides a block diagram showing an example of a photon modulation management system <b>100</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b> is shown over a period of time in communication with a photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> for the purpose of modulating the emission of photons to a bird for inducing a wide range of desired responses in birds including but not limited to ovulation, sexual maturity, mood and hunger. The modulated application of photons to a bird by providing photon pulses of one or more frequencies followed by pulses of one or more other frequencies for a duration along with a delay between pulses, allows for peak stimulation/modulation of a bird's biological components (opsins receptors) and biological responses, such as a the pulsing of one or more specific spectrums of light to induce a specific electrochemical signal for the production of a specific metabolite. Further, the modulation of photons to a bird allows for the optimization of photon absorption by opsin receptors without oversaturation of the receptors. As described below, the modulation of the photon pulses increase energy and heat efficiency of current poultry production lighting systems by reducing the overall power draw by the system of the present disclosure as much as 99% or more of the photon source when compared to conventional poultry production lighting systems, such as a 60 watt grow light, thereby reducing the amount of power and cost used to facilitate egg production from a bird. In an example of the energy saving potential of the system of the present disclosure, the system pulses 49.2 watts of photons for two microseconds per 200 microseconds creating an effective power consumption of 0.49 watt-hrs/hr on the power payment meter or 0.82% of the power in a 60 watt standard incandescent bulb. In addition, because the photon emitter is not continuously emitting photons, the amount of heat produced from the photon emitter will be significantly reduced, thereby significantly reducing the cost of cooling a facility to compensate for the increased heat from lighting. The system of the present disclosure may be customized based upon bird-specific requirements for photon intensity, pulse ON duration, pulse OFF (or duty cycle), the light spectrum of the pulse including but not limited to white, near-red, yellow, green, and blue, orange, far-red, infrared, and ultra-violet to encourage optimal ovulation, hunger, mood and sexual development for selected birds such as chickens, ducks, quail or turkeys.

0072As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a master logic controller (MLC) <b>102</b>, such as solid-state circuit with digital output control or a central processing unit (CPU) is in communication with a photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> by means of a communication signal <b>134</b>. The MLC <b>102</b> provides the system of the present disclosure with input/output of the parameters and the appropriate instructions or the specialized functions for the modulation of photons from a photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>.

0073In a further embodiment, the MLC <b>102</b> may be hard wired or wireless to an external source such as a host, allowing external access to the MLC <b>102</b> by a host. This allows remote access by a user to monitor the input and output of the MLC <b>102</b>, provide instructions or control to the systems while also allowing for remote programming and monitoring of the MLC <b>102</b>.

0074In a further embodiment, a power measurement or power consumption sensor may be integrated or embedded into the MLC <b>102</b> in the form of an integrated circuit allowing for the measurement and reporting of the power consumption of the system based on the voltage and the current draw of the system of the present disclosure. The power consumption of the system can then be communicated either wirelessly or by hardwire from the MLC <b>102</b> to a host. Data, including power consumption may also be sent to an outside receiver such as a database that is not connected to the system.

0075The photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> receives commands and instructions from the MLC <b>102</b>, including but not limited to, the duration ON and intensity, duration OFF duty cycle, intensity, wavelength band and frequency of each repetitive photon pulse within a photon signal <b>118</b> from a photon emitter <b>106</b>. The photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> may be any device that modulates the quanta and provides the control and command for the duration ON and intensity, duration OFF, wavelength band, and frequency of each repetitive photon pulse from a photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>. A variety of devices may be used as the photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b>, including but not limited to a solid-state relay (SSR), such as the Magnacraft 70S2 3V solid-state relay from Magnacraft Inc., optical choppers, power converters and other devices that induce modulation of a photon pulse. A variety of photon emitters <b>106</b> and <b>108</b> may be used, including but not limited to, an incandescent (Tungsten-halogen and Xenon), Fluorescent (CFL's), high intensity discharge (Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Low-Pressure Sodium, Mercury Vapor), sunlight, light emitting diodes (LEDs). It should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other types of photon emission modulation controllers, including other methods to cycle a light or photon source ON and OFF, cycling one or more colors or spectrums of light at different times, durations and intensities, such as ultraviolet, violet, near-red, green, yellow, orange, blue and far-red, allowing multiple pulses of one spectrum before pulsing another spectrum or in combination, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, once they understand the principles of the embodiments. It should also be understood that this ON and OFF cycling can be in the form of a digital pulse, pulse train, or varying waveform.

0076As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, based on the instructions from the MLC <b>102</b>, the photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> sends a photon emission control signal <b>136</b> to a photon emitter <b>106</b>. When the photon emission control signal <b>136</b> is sent to the photon emitter <b>106</b> goes ON, the photon emitter <b>106</b> emits at least one photon signal <b>118</b> where each photon signal comprises one or more repetitive photon pulses, where each repetitive photon pulse has separate duration ON with one or more intensities, a wavelength band and frequency, which is transmitted to a bird <b>122</b>. Then based on the instructions from the MLC <b>102</b>, when the photon emitter control signal <b>136</b> sent to the photon emitter <b>108</b> goes OFF, the photon emitter <b>108</b> will not emit a photon pulse, and therefore no photons are transmitted to a bird <b>122</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, starting from the left side of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the emission of photons <b>118</b>, such as a pulse of near-red photons, and bird <b>122</b> ovulation and egg production <b>124</b> is shown over a period of time <b>120</b>. The example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> provides a photon signal <b>118</b>, such as near-red, emitted from a photon emitter <b>106</b> for two (2) milliseconds with a duration of delay of two hundred (200) milliseconds before a second photon signal <b>118</b> is emitted from the same photon emitter <b>106</b> for two milliseconds (please note that <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a descriptive example of photon pulses emitted over time. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is not drawn to scale and the amount of growth by the bird between pulses in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is not necessarily accurate).

0077As will be understood by one skilled in art, in an additional embodiment, the system as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may be completely housed in a single unit comprising multiple photon emitters creating an array (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8<i>a</i>, 8<i>b</i>, 8<i>c</i>, 8<i>d</i></figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>), allowing each individual single unit to be self-sufficient, without the need for an external control or logic unit. An example self-sufficient unit with multiple photon emitters may be in the form of a unit that may be connected to a light socket, or light fixtures that may be suspended above one or more birds and connected to a power source.

0078The systems as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may also take the form of a master/slave system, as will be discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, where by example, a master photon emitter containing all logic and controls for the emission of photon from master photon emitter as well as any additional photon emitters in communication with the master photon emitter.

0079A variety of power supplies may be used in the present disclosure. These sources of power may include but are not limited to battery, converters for line power, solar and/or wind power. The intensity of the photon pulse may be static with distinct ON/OFF cycles or the intensity may be changes of 1% or larger of the quanta of the photon pulse. The intensity of the photon pulse from the photon emitter can be controlled through the variance of voltage and/or current from the power supplies and delivered to the light source. It will also be appreciated by one skilled in the art as to the support circuitry that will be required for the system of the present disclosure, including the photon emitter control unit and the photon emitters. Further, it will be appreciated that the configuration, installation and operation of the required components and support circuitry are well known in the art. The program code, if a program code is utilized, for performing the operations disclosed herein will be dependent upon the particular processor and programming language utilized in the system of the present disclosure. Consequently, it will be appreciated that the generation of a program code from the disclosure presented herein would be within the skill of an ordinary artisan.

0080<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> provide two different block diagrams showing examples of a photon modulation management system <b>200</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and repeated from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b> is shown over a period of time in communication with a photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> for the purpose of modulating individual pulses of photons comprising individual color spectrums to a bird, including but not limited to white, green, near-red, blue, yellow orange, far-red, infrared, and ultra-violet color spectrums, wavelength between 0.1 nm and 1 cm. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the present disclosure may include color spectrums of specific, individual wavelengths between 0.1 nm and 1.0 cm, or may include a range or band of wavelengths 0.1 to 200 nm in width, herein “wavelength band.”

0081The modulation of individual color spectrums of photons to a bird by providing specific color spectrum pulses for a duration along with a delay between pulses, allows for peak stimulation of a bird's biological components and responses, such as a bird's retina opsins and hypothalamus opsins for egg production. Examples of the ability to control specific aspects of a bird's biological components or responses through the pulsing of individual color spectrums, specific color wavelength or a range of color wavelengths may include, but are not limited to: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0082">a. egg production through the modulation of pulses of a specific far-red or in combination with near red wavelengths (example wavelengths may include 620 nm to 850 nm) for a period of time;</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0083">b. hunger, growth, sexual development as well as helps to control the mood of the birds by pulses of blue light, as well as the regulation of circadian rhythms (an example range may include with a range of 450 nm to 495 nm);</li></ul></li></ul>

0084c. ultraviolet or violet light (by example 10 nm to 450 nm) may be used to influence social behavior and mood as well as to facilitate nutrient update such as calcium; <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0085">d. green light (such as 560 nm, but may include 495 nm to 570 nm) may be used to promote or stimulate growth, including muscle growth, improve reproduction as well as egg quality; and</li><li id="ul0004-0002" num="0086">e. additional orange light (590 nm to 620 nm) and/or yellow light (570 nm to 590 nm) may also be used to influence bird responses.</li></ul></li></ul>

0087The modulation of individual color spectrums, specific wavelength and a range of wavelengths of photons to a bird by providing specific color spectrum pulses for a duration along with a delay between pulses also allows for the control of growth or biological responses, such as mood, growth, ovulation, sexual maturity, and hunger in birds. An example may include one light or through the combination of many lights, cycling the lights on and off to control ovulation and growth in a bird.

0088As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and repeated from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a master logic controller (MLC) <b>102</b> is in communication with a photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> by means of a communication signal <b>134</b>. The MLC <b>102</b> provides the system of the present disclosure with input/output of the parameters and the appropriate instructions or the specialized functions for the modulation of a specific individual color spectrum of photons from a photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>.

0089The photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> receives commands and instructions from the MLC <b>102</b> including but not limited to the duration ON and intensity, duration OFF, wavelength band and frequency of each repetitive photon pulse <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> within a photon signal <b>118</b> or a plurality of pulses of a specific color spectrum from a photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b> within a photon signal. The photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> provides the control and command for the duration ON and intensity, duration OFF, wavelength band and frequency of each repetitive photon pulse <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> within a photon signal <b>118</b> or plurality of pulses from a photon emitter <b>106</b>, and <b>108</b>.

0090As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, based on the instructions from the MLC <b>102</b>, the photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> sends a photon emission control signal <b>136</b> to a photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>. When the photon emission control signal <b>136</b> sent to the photon emitter <b>106</b> ON, the photon emitter <b>106</b> emits one or more repetitive photon pulses of a specific color spectrum <b>202</b> or <b>204</b>, comprising the photon signal <b>118</b>, which is transmitted to a bird <b>122</b>. Then based on the instructions from the MLC <b>102</b>, when the photon emitter control signal <b>136</b> sent to the photon emitter <b>108</b> goes OFF, the photon emitter <b>108</b> will not emit a photon signal, and therefore no photons are transmitted to a bird <b>122</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, starting from the left side of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the emission of a photon signal <b>118</b> comprising repetitive photon pulses of a specific color spectrum <b>202</b> (green) and <b>204</b> (far-red) and bird <b>122</b> ovulation and egg production <b>124</b> is shown over a period of time <b>120</b>. The example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> provides a photon signal <b>118</b> with photon pulse or plurality of pulses of a green color spectrum <b>202</b> emitted from a photon emitter <b>106</b> for two (2) milliseconds, followed by a photon pulse or plurality of pulses of a far-red color spectrum <b>204</b> for a duration of two (2) milliseconds with a duration of delay of two hundred (200) milliseconds of each pulse before the photon signal repeats with a photon pulse or plurality of pulses <b>202</b> emitted from the same photon emitter <b>106</b> for two milliseconds followed by a second photon pulse or plurality of pulses of a far-red color spectrum <b>204</b> for a duration of two milliseconds from the same photon emitter <b>114</b> (please note that <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a descriptive example of photon pulses emitted over time. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is not drawn to scale and the amount of growth or egg production by the bird between pulses in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is not necessarily to scale). While two photon pulses are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, as one skilled in the art will understand once they understand the invention, any number of pulses, from 1 to 15 or even more, may be within a photon signal.

0091The system of the present disclosure as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> allows for the manipulation and control of various responses by a bird through the cycling of one or more colors or spectrums of light at different times, durations and intensities, such as near-red, green, blue and far-red, allowing single pulses or multiple pulses of one spectrum with a delay before pulsing another spectrum. The pulsing of individual color spectrums in unison or individually for a duration with a delay between pulses allows for increased efficiency and speed from ovulation to finishing through control of the bird responses. The system described herein provides the ability to keep a bird in a particular response such as hunger or a specific mood.

0092By way of example, studies have shown that using the pulse of specific color spectrums to a bird, groups of birds may be induced to ovulate. At this point protocols may be changed on one group to encourage and allow for hunger or mood control.

0093A variety of sources or devices may be used to produce photons from the photon emitters, many of which are known in the art. However, an example of a devices or sources suitable for the emission or production of photons from a photon emitter include an LED, which may be packaged within an LED array designed to create a desired spectrum of photons. While LEDs are shown in this example, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that a variety of sources may be used for the emission of photons including but not limited to metal halide light, fluorescent light, high-pressure sodium light, incandescent light and LEDs. Please note that if a metal halide light, fluorescent light, high-pressure sodium light, incandescent light is used with the methods, systems and apparatuses described herein, the proper use of these forms of photon emitters would be to modulate and then filter the light to control what wavelength for what duration is passed through.

0094Embodiments of the present disclosure can apply to LEDs having various durations of photon emissions, including durations of photon emissions of specific color spectrums and intensity. The pulsed photon emissions of specific color spectrums within a photon signal may be longer or shorter depending on the bird in question, the age of the bird and how the emission will be used in facilitating biochemical processes for bird growth.

0095The use of an array of LEDs may be controlled to provide the optimal photon pulse of one or more color spectrums for specific bird ovulation or growth such as in chickens or turkeys. The user may simply select the photon pulse intensity, color spectrum, frequency and duty cycle for a particular type of bird to encourage efficient biological responses in birds. LED packages can be customized to meet each bird's specific requirements. By using packaged LED arrays with the customized pulsed photon emission, as discussed above, embodiments described herein may be used to control light to alter the shell thickness, bird weight, and sexual maturity within the target bird.

0096<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagram of an example of a plurality of photon emitters <b>106</b> and <b>108</b> with LED arrays <b>300</b> as the source of photons from the photon emitter. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> is in communication by means of a plurality of photon emitter control signals <b>136</b> with a plurality of photon emitters <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>. As further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, each photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>, comprises an array of LEDs <b>302</b>, <b>304</b>, <b>306</b> and <b>308</b>. Each array of LEDs <b>302</b>, <b>304</b>, <b>306</b> and <b>308</b> and the circuitry to allow for the array of LEDs to communicate with the photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> are contained in an LED array housing <b>310</b>, <b>312</b>, <b>314</b> and <b>316</b>.

0097As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the shape of LED array is a circle, however as will be understood by one skilled in the art, the shape of the array may take a variety of forms based upon the needed biological response of the birds. The shape of the array may include but is not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, pentagonal, rope lighting and a variety of other shapes.

0098The LED array housing <b>310</b>, <b>312</b>, <b>314</b> and <b>316</b> for each photon emitter <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>, may be made of a variety of suitable materials including, but are not limited to, lastic, thermoplastic, and other types of polymeric materials. Composite materials or other engineered materials may also be used. In some embodiments, the housing may be made by a plastic injection molding manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the housing may be transparent or semi-transparent and in any color.

0099<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a diagram of an example of a plurality of photon emitters with a master photon emitter in communication and control of one or more slave photon emitters, <b>400</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a master photon emitter <b>402</b> is in communication by means of a photon control signal <b>136</b> with a series of slave photon emitters <b>404</b>, <b>406</b>, and <b>408</b>. The master photon emitter <b>402</b> contains a controller, such as the MLC (<b>102</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>), as well as photon emission modulation controller (shown as <b>104</b><figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>) which controls the duration ON and intensity, duration OFF, and frequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse within each photon signal from an array of LEDs housed within the master photon emitter <b>402</b> while also allowing the master photon emitter to control the duration ON and intensity, duration OFF, and frequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse within each photon signal from each slave photon emitters <b>404</b>, <b>406</b>, and <b>408</b>.

0100Conversely, each slave photon emitter <b>404</b>, <b>406</b>, and <b>408</b> contains the circuitry to receive command signals <b>136</b> from the master photon emitter <b>402</b> and the circuitry necessary to emit a photon pulse of a specific spectrum from an array of LEDs (such as near-red, far-red, blue, green or orange) housed within each slave photon emitter <b>404</b>, <b>406</b>, and <b>408</b>. For clarity, each slave photon emitter does not contain a controller such as the MLC nor does the slave photon emitter <b>404</b>, <b>406</b>, and <b>408</b> contain a photon emission modulation controller. All commands and controls for the slave photon emitter <b>404</b>, <b>406</b>, and <b>408</b> are received from the master photon emitter <b>402</b>. This master/slave system allows for sharing of a single power supply and microcontroller. Master has the power supply and that power is also transferred to the slaves. Additionally, the master/slave system can be utilized to pulse photons in patterns to help stimulate the biological response in other birds.

0101A bus system may be included in MLC of the master photon emitter <b>402</b> or in each slave photon emitter <b>404</b>, <b>406</b> and <b>408</b> to allow for the specific control by the master photon emitter <b>402</b> of each individual slave photon emitter <b>404</b>, <b>406</b> and <b>408</b>. By way of example, the master photon emitter <b>402</b> may send a signal <b>136</b> to a specific slave photon emitter <b>404</b> commanding the slave photon emitter <b>404</b> to emit photon signal with a far-red pulse for a specific duration, while the master photon emitter <b>402</b> simultaneously sends a command signal <b>136</b> to a second slave photon emitter <b>406</b> to emit a photon signal with green pulse for a specific duration. While this descriptive example shows an array, plurality or chain of three slave photon emitters <b>404</b>, <b>406</b> and <b>408</b> in with a master photon emitter <b>402</b>, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with any number of slave photon emitters in communication and under the control of a master photon emitter, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, once they understand the principles of the embodiments.

0102In a further embodiment, the master photon emitter <b>402</b> may be hard wired or wireless to allow external access to the master photon emitter <b>402</b> by a host, allowing remote access to monitor the input and output of the master photon emitter <b>402</b> while also allowing for remote programming of the master photon emitter.

0103<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram of an example of a master logic controller in communication and control of one or more photon emitters, <b>500</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a master logic controller <b>102</b> is in communication by means of a photon emission control signal <b>136</b> with a series of photon emitters <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b> located above four different birds <b>512</b>, <b>514</b>, <b>516</b> or <b>518</b>. In this example, the master logic controller or MLC <b>102</b> (as previously discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1, 2 and 3</figref>) also contains a photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> (shown discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1, 2 and 3</figref>) which allows the MLC <b>102</b> to control the duration ON and intensity, duration OFF, and frequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse within a photon signal from an array of LEDs housed within each photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b>.

0104Through the photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b>, the MLC <b>102</b> communicates commands and instructions to each photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b> including but not limited to the duration ON, intensity, duration OFF and frequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse within each photon signal <b>508</b> and <b>510</b> from each photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b>. The MLC <b>102</b> also maintains control of the power supply to the system and control the transfer of power to each individual photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b>.

0105As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, based on the instructions from the MLC <b>102</b>, the photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> sends a photon emission control signal <b>136</b> to each individual photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b>. Based on the specific instructions sent to each photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b>, individual photon emitters <b>106</b> or <b>506</b> will emit a photon signal comprising repetitive photon pulses of one or more specific color spectrums <b>508</b> and <b>510</b> to a bird <b>512</b>, <b>514</b>, <b>516</b> or <b>518</b> (such as a photon signal with a far-red pulse and a near-red pulse <b>508</b> at various durations ON and OFF or a photon signal with pulse of far-red, a pulse of near-red and a pulse of blue at various durations ON and OFF <b>510</b>). As further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, based on the instructions from the MLC <b>102</b>, other individual photon emitters <b>502</b> or <b>504</b> may not emit a photon signal toward a bird <b>122</b> for a duration.

0106The ability of the MLC <b>102</b> to control the photon output or emission from each individual photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b> allows the system of the present disclosure to modify the photon emission to a bird based on the specific needs or requirements for a bird. As discussed in association with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, by way of example, the MLC may be programmed to issue a signal to a specific emitter for modulation of pulses of far-red light for a period of time followed by pulses of blue light within a signal in combination with near-red light for the control of biological responses in birds such as ovulation/egg laying and mood/hunger.

0107In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, all commands and controls for each photon emitter <b>106</b>, <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> and <b>506</b> are received externally from the MLC <b>102</b>. However, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, the logic and hardware associated with the MLC <b>102</b> and photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> may also be housed within each individual photon emitter, allowing each individual photon emitter to be self-sufficient, without the need for an external control or logic unit.

0108In a further embodiment, the MLC <b>102</b> may be hard wired or wireless, allowing external access to the MLC <b>102</b> by a user. This allows remote access by a user to monitor the input and output of the MLC <b>102</b> while also allowing for remote programming of the MLC <b>102</b>.

0109<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> provides an example of a further embodiment, showing the photon modulation system of the present disclosure where one or more sensors are used to monitor a bird's environmental conditions as well as the bird's responses <b>600</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, one or more sensors <b>602</b>, <b>604</b>, <b>606</b> and <b>608</b> are associated with each bird <b>618</b>, <b>620</b>, <b>622</b>, and <b>624</b> in order to monitor various conditions associated with the bird <b>618</b>, <b>620</b>, <b>622</b>, and <b>624</b>. The conditions associated with the bird or birds which may be monitored include but are not limited to, humidity, air temperature, volume, movement, O₂, CO₂, CO, pH, and weight. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the sensors may include but are not limited to temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, motion sensor, microphones, gas sensors, cameras, and scales.

0110The sensors <b>602</b>, <b>604</b>, <b>606</b> and <b>608</b> monitor one or more conditions associated with the bird or birds <b>618</b>, <b>620</b>, <b>622</b>, and <b>624</b> and then transmit the data <b>610</b>, <b>612</b>, <b>614</b> or <b>616</b> to the MLC <b>102</b>. Transferring the data from the one or more sensors <b>602</b>, <b>604</b>, <b>606</b> and <b>608</b> to the MLC <b>102</b> can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wirelessly or hard wired. As will be understood by one skilled in art, a variety of communication systems may be used for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the bird <b>618</b>, <b>620</b>, <b>622</b>, and <b>624</b> to the a MLC <b>102</b>.

0111The data from the one or more sensors <b>602</b>, <b>604</b>, <b>606</b> and <b>608</b> is analyzed by the MLC <b>102</b>. Based on the information from the sensors, the MLC <b>102</b>, through the photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b>, the MLC <b>102</b> is able to adjust the duration ON, intensity, duration OFF, duty cycle and frequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse of each photon signal <b>118</b> of each individual photon emitter <b>106</b>, and <b>108</b>, or to adjust the duration ON, intensity, duration OFF, duty cycle and frequency of a group of photon emitters based on the needs of the individual birds <b>618</b>, <b>620</b>, <b>622</b>, and <b>624</b> associated with a specific sensor <b>602</b>, <b>604</b>, <b>606</b> and <b>608</b> or the needs of the birds as a whole. An example may include adjusting a pulse to comprise both blue and far-red <b>118</b> at various durations or adjusting duration of a pulse of far-red, green and blue <b>610</b>.

0112In additional embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may also include a watering system, feeding systems, environmental as well as health system (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) in communication and under the control of the MLC <b>102</b> or a separate logic controller. Based on information from the sensors <b>602</b>, <b>604</b>, <b>606</b> and <b>608</b> associated with each bird or birds, the MLC <b>102</b> is able to communicate with a watering system, feeding system, heating and cooling systems, medication systems based upon the needs of the birds. Data, including power can be sent to an outside receiver such as a database that is not connected to the system.

0113<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> provides an example of one embodiment of an array of LEDs in communication with a series of solid-state relays or SSRs <b>700</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> and repeated from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a MLC <b>102</b> is in communication by means of a communication signal <b>134</b> with a photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b>. The photon emission modulation controller <b>104</b> of this example contains three SSRs. The MLC <b>102</b> outputs a signal to control the SSRs. The first SSR controls an array of near-red LEDs <b>702</b>, the second SSR controls an array of far-red LEDs <b>704</b> and the third SSR to controls an array of blue LEDs <b>706</b>. Each SSR <b>702</b>, <b>704</b> and <b>706</b> is in communication with an array of LEDs, <b>714</b>, <b>716</b> and <b>718</b> by means of a photon emission signal <b>136</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the near-red SSR <b>702</b> sends a photon emission signal <b>136</b> to initiate a photon pulse of the near-red LEDS <b>714</b> comprising a near-red voltage <b>708</b> to an array of near-red LEDs <b>714</b>. The near-red voltage <b>708</b> is then transmitted from the array of near-red LEDs <b>714</b> to a series of resistors <b>720</b>, <b>742</b>, <b>738</b>, such as a 68 ohm resistor, with each resistor <b>720</b>, <b>742</b> and <b>738</b> connected to a ground <b>744</b>.

0114As further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the far-red SSR <b>704</b> sends a photon emission signal <b>136</b> to initiate a photon pulse of far-red LEDs comprising a far-red voltage <b>710</b> to an array of red LEDs <b>718</b>. The red voltage <b>710</b> is then transmitted from the red LED array <b>718</b> and a series of resistors <b>724</b>, <b>728</b>, <b>732</b> and <b>734</b>, such as 390 ohm resistor with each resistor <b>724</b>, <b>728</b>, <b>732</b> and <b>734</b> connected to a ground <b>744</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> also shows the blue SSR <b>706</b> sending a photon emission signal <b>136</b> to initiate a photon pulse of blue LEDs comprising a blue voltage <b>712</b> to an array of blue LEDs <b>716</b>. The blue voltage <b>712</b> is then transmitted from the array of blue LEDs <b>716</b> and transmitted to a series of resistors <b>722</b>, <b>726</b>, <b>730</b>, <b>736</b> and <b>740</b>, such as a 150 ohm resistor, with each resistor <b>722</b>, <b>726</b>, <b>730</b>, <b>736</b> and <b>740</b> connected to a ground <b>744</b>.

0115<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8<i>a </i>to 8<i>d </i></figref>show various aspects of an example light assembly for the emission of photons within a signal for use in systems and methods described herein. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>a </i></figref>is a photo showing a power converter, serial peripheral interface (SPI), and microcontroller of a multiple colored die within a light assembly. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>b </i></figref>is a photo showing the backside of the multiple colored die within the light assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>a</i></figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>c </i></figref>is a photo showing the high-speed switching circuitry for flashing of the multiple colored die within the light assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>a</i></figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>d </i></figref>is a photo showing the backside of the light assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>c </i></figref>with a replaceable multicolor die LED.

0116The light assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8<i>a </i>to 8<i>d </i></figref>may be used in several embodiments described herein, including a master/slave system, where a master photon emitter contains all logic and controls for the emission of photons and signals from the master photon emitter as well as any additional photon emitters in communication with the master photon emitter. The light assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8<i>a</i>-8<i>d </i></figref>may also be used in a controller system. As discussed above, controller is in communication with two or more photon emitters

0117<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> provides an example layout of LEDs within a LED array <b>900</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, twelve LEDs form an array of photon emitters <b>302</b> in a photon emitter housing <b>310</b>. The sample layout includes 400 nm (violet) <b>902</b>, 436 nm (deep blue) <b>904</b>, 450 nm (royal blue) <b>906</b>, 460 nm (dental blue) <b>908</b>, 490 nm (cyan) <b>910</b>, 525 nm (green) <b>912</b>, 590 nm (amber) <b>914</b>, 625 nm (red) <b>916</b>, 660 nm (deep red) <b>918</b>, and 740 nm (far red) <b>920</b>.

0118<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flow diagram showing the method of modulation of individual color spectrums pulsed for bird growth <b>1000</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, in step <b>1002</b>, the master logic controller receives instructions regarding each individual color spectrum to be pulsed, the duration of each pulse of each color spectrum, the combination of colors to be pulsed and duration of delay between each color spectrum pulse. Instructions and information sent to the master logic controller may relate to the photon pulse duration of each color to be pulsed, photon pulse delay, intensity, frequency, duty cycle, bird type, state of maturity of the bird and the type of egg production as well as young and broiler bird growth and behavior that is desired to be induced. In step <b>1004</b>, the master logic controller sends instructions to the photon emission modulation controller regarding each color spectrum to be pulsed, the duration of each pulse of each color spectrum, combination of colors pulse and duration of delay between different color spectrums. In step <b>1006</b>, the photon emission modulation controller sends at least one signal to one or more photon emitters capable of emitting pulses of one or more individual color spectrums toward a bird, such as green LEDs, far-red LEDs, blue LEDs and orange LEDs. In step <b>1008</b>, one or more photon emitters emit one or more photon pulses of individual color spectrums directed to a bird.

0119<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> provides an additional embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a flow diagram of the stimulation of a desired response of a bird based on information from bird sensors <b>1100</b>. As shown in step <b>1102</b>, a bird sensor monitors one or more conditions associated with the environment of a bird. The conditions to be monitored include, but are not limited to, the air temperature, humidity, the bird's body temperature, weight, sound, movement of the birds, infrared, O₂, CO₂and CO. In step <b>1104</b>, the bird sensor sends data regarding the environmental or physical conditions associated with a bird to the MLC. The MLC then analyzes the data sent from the bird sensor or the analysis may be done by a third party software program that is remote to the system. In step <b>1106</b>, based on the information from the bird sensor, the MLC sends instructions to change an embodiment of the environment such as air temperature or humidity. In step <b>1108</b>, the environmental system initiates an event to one or more animals based on the analysis of the data from the sensor. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the adjustment of the event can be on a micro level, such as an adjustment to the environment of one specific bird or the adjustment can be on a macro level such as an entire growth chamber or operation. In step <b>1110</b>, based on the information from the bird sensor the MLC sends instructions to a feeding system, nutrient system or nutrient source, such as a drip, nutrient film or nutrient injection system, regarding the timing and/or concentration of the nutrient to be distributed to a bird during a nutrient event. In step <b>1112</b>, nutrient system initiates a nutrient event where nutrients are directed to a bird based on the analysis of the data from the bird sensor. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the adjustment of the nutrient event can be on a micro level, such as an adjustment to the nutrients to one specific bird or the adjustment can be on a macro level such as an entire growth chamber or operation. In step <b>1114</b>, based on the analysis of the data from the bird sensor, the MLC sends instructions to the photon emission modulation controller adjusting the duration, intensity, color spectrum and/or duty cycle of each photon pulse between different pulses of color spectrums to a specific an animal or to a group of animals. In step <b>1116</b>, the photon emission modulation controller sends a signal to one or more photon emitters adjusting the duration, intensity, color spectrum and/or duty cycle of each photon pulse between different pulses of color spectrums to a specific animal or to a group of animals. In step <b>1118</b>, based on the signal received from the photon emission modulation controller, one or more photon emitters emit one or more photon pulses of individual color spectrums directed to an animal or to a group of animals.

0120<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a graph showing an example photon signal with a repetitive photon pulse of near-red, showing a duration ON and a duration OFF for the controlled stimulation of ovulation in birds and egg laying in birds. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, an example of the cycling of a photon signal with repetitive photon pulses of one color spectrums within the photon signal is provided where a photon signal having a repetitive near-red photon pulse is emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph near-red spectrum is pulsed first followed by a delay. Next, a second pulse comprising of near-red spectrum is again pulsed followed by a delay. This photon signal may be repeated indefinitely or until the bird ovulation and bird egg production under and receiving the photon pulses have reached their desired production amount. While in this descriptive example of a photon signal having a repetitive photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of one color spectrum, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but are not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0121<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a graph showing an example photon signal containing photon pulses of two color spectrums, near-red and far red. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, duration ON, duration OFF frequency and duty cycle within a photon signal that may be utilized to stimulate ovulation. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum of the present disclosure is provided where a photon signal comprising photon pulses of two color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph a far-red spectrum is pulsed first followed by a delay and then a pulse of a near-red spectrum and then followed by a delay. Next, a second pulse of near red is initiated, followed by a delay, followed by an individual pulse of far-red. This photon signal may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has been initiated. As discussed above, this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation or to reset the bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of two color spectrums, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but is not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0122<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a graph showing a second example photon signal containing photon pulses of two color spectrums, near-red and far red. Again, the time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, duration ON, duration OFF frequency and duty cycle within a photon signal that may be utilized to stimulate ovulation. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum of the present disclosure is provided where photon signal comprising photon pulses of two color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph, a far-red spectrum is pulsed in a series or pulse train of five pulses followed by a pulse of a near-red spectrum and then followed by a delay. This photon signal may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has been initiated. As discussed above, this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation or to reset the bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of two color spectrums, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet; excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but are not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0123<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a graph showing an example photon signal containing photon pulses of two color spectrums, blue and green. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, frequency and duty cycle that may be utilized to stimulate hunger or a specific mood and to reset the circadian rhythm of the bird. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrums of the present disclosure is provided where photon pulses of two color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph pulses of blue and green are pulsed first followed by a delay. Next, a second pulse of blue is initiated, followed by a delay, followed by an individual pulse of green. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has been initiated. As discussed above, this example may also be used to stimulate hunger, mood or even to reset the birds circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of two color spectrums, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet; excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but are not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> graph showing an example photon signal containing photon pulses of three color spectrums, near-red, blue and green. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, frequency and duty cycle that may be utilized to stimulate ovulation, hunger or a specific mood and to reset the circadian rhythm of the bird. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrums of the present disclosure is provided where photon pulses of three color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph, a pulse of near red is provided followed by a delay. Next, a pulse of blue is initiated, followed by a delay, followed by an individual pulse of green. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has been initiated. As discussed above, this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation, hunger, mood or even to reset the bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of three color spectrums, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet; excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but are not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0125<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> graph showing an example photon signal containing photon pulses of five color spectrums, green, ultra-violet, orange, near-red, and blue. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, frequency and duty cycle that may be utilized to stimulate ovulation, hunger or a specific mood and to reset the circadian rhythm of the bird. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum within a signal of the present disclosure is provided where photon pulses of five color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph, pulses of green and ultraviolet are provided followed by a delay. Next, a pulse of near red is initiated, followed by a delay, followed by pulses of green and ultraviolet. This cycle may be repeated with five pulses of green and ultraviolet and three pulses of near red and then a single pulse of blue and orange. This pulse signal may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has been initiated under. As discussed above, this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation, hunger, mood or even to reset the bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of three color spectrums, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet; excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but are not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0126<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a graph showing a third example photon signal containing photon pulses of two color spectrums, near-red and far red. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, duration ON, duration OFF frequency and duty cycle within a photon signal that may be utilized to stimulate ovulation. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum within a signal of the present disclosure is provided where photon signal comprising photon pulses of two color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph a far-red spectrum is pulsed first followed by a delay and then a pulse of a near-red spectrum and then followed by a delay. Next, a second pulse of near red is initiated followed by a delay followed by an individual pulse of far-red. This photon signal may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has been initiated. As discussed above, this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation or to reset the bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of two color spectrums, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet; excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but are not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microseconds to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0127<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a graph showing an example photon signal containing photon pulses of two color spectrums, near-red and far red. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, duration ON with varying intensities, duration OFF frequency and duty cycle within a photon signal that may be utilized to stimulate ovulation. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> and previously described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum of the present disclosure is provided where photon signal comprising photon pulses of two color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph a far-red spectrum is pulsed first with a first intensity followed by a delay and then a pulse of far red and near-red spectrums with a different intensities and then followed by a delay. Next, a second pulse of near red and far red with different intensities followed by a delay followed by an individual pulse of far-red with a different intensity and then a near red with the same intensity. This photon signal may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has been receiving the photon pulses. As discussed above, this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation or to reset the bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of two color spectrums with varying intensities, it should be understood that this description is applicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange and ultraviolet; excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but are not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extended dark cycles.

0128Table 1 below provides a table of lighting options. As shown in Table 1, column one provides the name or designation of the lighting option or pulse signal, column two provides the color pulses in the lighting option, column three is the duration ON of each pulse within the pulse signal, column four is the duration OFF of each pulse within the pulse signal, column five provides the time from ON to OFF, column six is the amperage of each color within the lighting option, and column seven is the duration or length of time each option is active on a 24 hour basis.

0129<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0" pgwide="1"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="280pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 1</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>LIGHTING OPTIONS</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="7"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="5" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="6" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="7" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Lighting</entry><entry /><entry>Duration</entry><entry>Duration</entry><entry /><entry>Ma of each</entry><entry>Duration of</entry></row><row><entry>Option</entry><entry>Colors</entry><entry>ON</entry><entry>OFF</entry><entry>Timing from t-0</entry><entry>color</entry><entry>system on</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="7" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="7"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="5" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="6" colwidth="42pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="7" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Option 1</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>200 us </entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry>Option 2</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Far Red</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 100 us</entry><entry>900</entry><entry>24 hours</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 150 us</entry></row><row><entry>Option 3</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Far Red</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 100 us</entry><entry>900</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 150 us</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry>Option 4</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>200 us </entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hour</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry>Option 5</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Far Red</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>500 us </entry><entry>ON - 150 us</entry><entry>900</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 200 us</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry>Option 6</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Far Red</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 100 us</entry><entry>900</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 150 us</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry>Option 7</entry><entry>Green</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours on</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Far Red</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 100 us</entry><entry>900</entry><entry>24 hours on</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 150 us</entry></row><row><entry>Option 8</entry><entry>Blue</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours on</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Far Red</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 100 us</entry><entry>900</entry><entry>24 hours on</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 150 us</entry></row><row><entry>Option 9</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Green</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>500 us </entry><entry>ON - 150 us</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 200 us </entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry>Option 10</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Near red 2</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Blue</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>500 us </entry><entry>ON - 150 us</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>6 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 200 us </entry><entry /><entry>18 OFF</entry></row><row><entry>Option 11</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Blue</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>500 us </entry><entry>ON - 150 us </entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Green</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry>Option 12</entry><entry>Near red 1</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>100 us </entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Blue</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>500 us </entry><entry>ON - 150 us</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Orange</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Green</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Ultraviolet</entry><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry>Option 13</entry><entry>Blue</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 150 us</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Green</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 0</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry>Option 14</entry><entry>Blue</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>50 us</entry><entry>ON - 150 us</entry><entry>600</entry><entry>24 hours ON</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry /><entry>OFF - 50 US</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="7" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

EXAMPLES

0130The following examples are provided to illustrate further the various applications and are not intended to limit the invention beyond the limitations set forth in the appended claims.

Increased Average Egg Production

0131Six comparison studies were conducted in Greeley, Colo. in the winter and spring of 2016 using the lighting system and method of the current disclosure and compared to eggs produced in a commercially egg production system, using standard commercially available lights.

0132Eggs produced under the system of the present application described herein were produced in compliance with the United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines using various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets. Birds were housed in cages in blackout grow tents, with one bird per cage, and eight birds per tent. Birds were fed an all-natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times for the commercial comparison birds.

0133The commercial comparison for egg production was a conventional egg production facility located in northern Colorado. All eggs were produced in compliance with the United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines using various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets. Birds were fed all natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals. No hormones or stimulants were used. The commercial comparison egg producing birds were housed under a computerized environment management system, which monitors and controls fans and temperature, the fluorescent lighting, turning feeders on and off and monitors the amount of water consumed. Eggs produced where counted every morning at 9 am and weighed using a common scale.

Example 1—Average Egg Production—Lighting Option One

0134Table 2 shows a comparison of the average egg production rate to the total number of birds of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option 1 (Table 1) when compared with average egg production rate to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0135As shown in Table 2 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds grown under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with 21.43% of birds producing eggs in week 20, 55.36% in week 21 and finally reaching 100% production, or all birds producing eggs in week 26. Conversely, the commercial comparison lighting systems began producing eggs in week 20, 3.78%, with 25.44% production in week 21, with 96.27% in week 26. As shown in Table 2, an increased percentage of birds grown under the lighting of the current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0136<tables id="TABLE-US-00002" num="00002"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 2</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg production per day Lighting Option 1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Percentage of eggs</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>production to total</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>number of birds using</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>the technology of the</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>present disclosure</entry><entry>Avg./Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry> 1.79%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>21.43%</entry><entry>3.78%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>55.36%</entry><entry>25.44%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>76.79%</entry><entry>62.17%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>83.93%</entry><entry>76.82%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>89.29%</entry><entry>81.76%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>100.00% </entry><entry>90.60%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>95.49%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>100.00% </entry><entry>96.27%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>95.18%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>100.00% </entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>95.92%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>96.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry> 98.2%</entry><entry>93.89%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry> 96.4%</entry><entry>94.08%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry> 98.2%</entry><entry>93.30%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry> 98.2%</entry><entry>96.04%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 2—Average Egg Production—Lighting Option Two

0137Table 3 shows a comparison of the average egg production rate to the total number of birds of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option 2 (Table 1), when compared with average egg production rate to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0138As shown in Table 3 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, the comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds grown under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with 25.00% of birds producing eggs in week 20, 71.43% in week 21 and finally reaching 100% production, or all birds producing eggs in week 28. Conversely, the commercial comparison lighting systems began producing eggs in week 20, 3.78%, with 25.44% production in week 21, with 96.27% in week 26. As shown in Table 3, an increased percentage of birds grown under the lighting of the current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0139<tables id="TABLE-US-00003" num="00003"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 3</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg production per day Lighting Option 2</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Percentage of eggs</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>production to total</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>number of birds using</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>the technology of the</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>present disclosure</entry><entry>Avg./Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>3.57%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>25.00%</entry><entry>3.78%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>71.43%</entry><entry>25.44%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>62.17%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>76.82%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>81.76%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>90.60%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>95.49%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>100.00%</entry><entry>96.27%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>95.18%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>95.92%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>96.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>93.89%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>87.50%</entry><entry>94.08%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>89.29%</entry><entry>93.30%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>96.04%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 3—Average Egg Production—Lighting Option Three

0140Table 4 shows a comparison of the average egg production rate to the total number of birds of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option 3 (Table 1), when compared with average egg production rate to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0141As shown in Table 4 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds grown under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with 17.86% of birds producing eggs in week 20, 64.29% in week 21 and finally reaching 100% production, or all birds producing eggs in week 24. Conversely, the commercial comparison lighting systems began producing eggs in week 20, 3.78%, with 25.44% production in week 21, with 96.27% in week 26. As shown in Table 4 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, an increased percentage of birds grown under the lighting of the current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0142<tables id="TABLE-US-00004" num="00004"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 4</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg production per day Lighting Option 3</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Percentage of eggs</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>production to total</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>number of birds using</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>the technology of the</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>present disclosure</entry><entry>Avg./Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>5.36%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>17.86%</entry><entry>3.78%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>64.29%</entry><entry>25.44%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>85.71%</entry><entry>62.17%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>76.82%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>100.00%</entry><entry>81.76%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>90.60%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>95.49%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>96.27%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>95.18%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>100.00%</entry><entry>95.92%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>94.64</entry><entry>96.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>93.89%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>94.08%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>93.30%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>96.04%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 4—Average Egg Production—Lighting Option Four

0143Table 5 shows a comparison of the average egg production rate to the total number of birds of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option 4, when compared with average egg production rate to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0144As shown in Table 5 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds grown under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 18, with 25.00% of birds producing eggs in week 20, 42.86% in week 21 and finally reaching 96.43% production, or all birds producing eggs in week 24. Conversely, the commercial comparison lighting systems began producing eggs in week 20, 3.78%, with 25.44% production in week 21, with 96.27% in week 26. As shown in Table 5, an increased percentage of birds grown under the lighting of the current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0145<tables id="TABLE-US-00005" num="00005"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 5</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg production per day Lighting Option 4</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Percentage of eggs</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>production to total</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>number of birds using</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>the technology of the</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>present disclosure</entry><entry>Avg./Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0.00%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>3.57%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>25.00%</entry><entry>3.78%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>42.86%</entry><entry>25.44%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>51.79%</entry><entry>62.17%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>80.36%</entry><entry>76.82%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>81.76%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>80.36%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>90.60%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>95.49%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>96.27%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>95.18%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>95.92%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>92.85%</entry><entry>96.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>9.42%</entry><entry>93.89%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>92.85%</entry><entry>94.08%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>93.30%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>96.04%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 5—Average Egg Production—Lighting Option Five

0146Table 6 shows a comparison of the average egg production rate to the total number of birds of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option 5, when compared with average egg production rate to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0147As shown in Table 6 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, the comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds grown under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 18, with 37.50% of birds producing eggs in week 20, 66.07% in week 21 and finally reaching 100% production, or all birds producing eggs in week 24. Conversely, the commercial comparison lighting systems began producing eggs in week 20, 3.78%, with 25.44% production in week 21, with 96.27% in week 26. As shown in Table 6, an increased percentage of birds grown under the lighting of the current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0148<tables id="TABLE-US-00006" num="00006"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 6</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg production per day Lighting Option 5</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Percentage of eggs</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>production to total</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>number of birds using</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>the technology of the</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>present disclosure</entry><entry>Avg./Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>1.79%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>8.93%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>37.50%</entry><entry>3.78%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>66.07%</entry><entry>25.44%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>62.17%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>76.82%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>100.00%</entry><entry>81.76%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>90.60%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>95.49%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>96.27%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>100.00%</entry><entry>95.18%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>100.00%</entry><entry>95.92%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>92.86%</entry><entry>96.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>93.89%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>94.08%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>93.30%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>96.04%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 6—Average Egg Production—Lighting Option Six

0149Table 7 shows a comparison of the average egg production rate to the total number of birds of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option 6, when compared with average egg production rate to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0150As shown in Table 7 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds grown under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with 44.64% of birds producing eggs in week 20, 66.07% in week 21 and finally reaching 105.36% production, or all birds producing eggs in week 23. Conversely, the commercial comparison lighting systems began producing eggs in week 20, 3.78%, with 25.44% production in week 21, with 96.27% in week 26. As shown in Table 7, an increased percentage of birds grown under the lighting of the current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0151<tables id="TABLE-US-00007" num="00007"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 7</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg production per day Lighting Option 6</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Percentage of eggs</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>production to total</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>number of birds using</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>the technology of the</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>present disclosure</entry><entry>Avg./Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0.00%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>10.71%</entry><entry>0.00%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>44.64%</entry><entry>3.78%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>66.07%</entry><entry>25.44%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>62.17%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>105.36%</entry><entry>76.82%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>81.76%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>87.50%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>105.36%</entry><entry>90.60%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>95.49%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>94.64%</entry><entry>96.27%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>95.18%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>97.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>95.92%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>96.43%</entry><entry>96.12%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>0.00%</entry><entry>93.89%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>10.71%</entry><entry>94.08%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>44.64%</entry><entry>93.30%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>66.07%</entry><entry>96.04%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 7—Average Egg Production—Comparison with Standard Lighting and Time

0152Example 7 provides a comparison study of average egg production rate. The study was conducted in Greeley, Colo. in the summer of 2016 using three lighting systems, Lighting Option 4 (shown in Table 1) of the lighting method of the current disclosure but on a standard commercial day/night cycle (15 hours ON at week 17 with a 15 minute increase each week), a control with standard fluorescent lighting on a standard commercial day/night cycle, and Lighting Option 4 using the lighting method of the current disclosure.

0153Eggs were produced in compliance with the United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines using various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets. Birds were housed in cages in blackout grow tents, with one bird per cage, and eight birds per tent. Birds were fed an all-natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times for the commercial comparison birds.

0154As shown in Table 8 below (and in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>), birds in the comparison produced a small amount of eggs (5.36%) starting in week 17 with the control, however birds grown under Lighting Option 4 (24 hour (column 4)) quickly surpassed by week 19 standard production levels both for the control (column 3) and the average (column 5, see Management Guide, W-36 Commercial Layers, published by Hy-Line International, January 2016). By week 22, both the birds grown under Lighting Option 4 on a 24 hour cycle and birds grown under Lighting Option 4 on a commercial standard day/night timing showed an increase in production over the control and the commercial average, with birds grown under Lighting Option 4 on a 24 hour cycle producing at 98.21%, birds grown under Lighting Option 4 on a commercial standard day/night timing producing at 91.07% s, while birds grown under the control producing at 78.57% and the commercial average at 85.00%.

0155<tables id="TABLE-US-00008" num="00008"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 8</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average Egg Production</entry></row><row><entry>Comparison Study with Commercial Control</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="5"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Lighting Option 4</entry><entry /><entry>Lighting</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>with commercial</entry><entry /><entry>option 4 on a</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>standard timing</entry><entry>Control</entry><entry>24 hour cycle</entry><entry>Average</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="5"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="49pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="5" colwidth="42pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Week 17</entry><entry /><entry>5.36%</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>Week 18</entry><entry /><entry>17.86%</entry><entry>1.79%</entry><entry>2.50%</entry></row><row><entry>Week 19</entry><entry /><entry>26.79%</entry><entry>51.79%</entry><entry>18.50%</entry></row><row><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>17.86%</entry><entry>44.64%</entry><entry>60.71%</entry><entry>42.50%</entry></row><row><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>76.79%</entry><entry>62.50%</entry><entry>105.36%</entry><entry>68.50%</entry></row><row><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>91.07%</entry><entry>78.57%</entry><entry>98.21%</entry><entry>85.00%</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="5" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Increased Average Egg Weight

0156Six poultry egg weight studies were conducted in Greeley, Colo. in the winter and spring of 2016 using the lighting system and method of the current disclosure and compared standard commercial chicken egg weights for white leghorn varieties raised under standard commercially available lights (see Hy-Line International, January 2016).

0157Birds raised under the lighting of the system and methods of the current disclosure were raised in compliance with the United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines using various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets. Birds were housed in cages in blackout grow tents, with one bird per cage, and eight birds per tent. Birds were fed an all-natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times for the commercial comparison birds. Egg weights were captured using a digital scale and measured on a daily basis at 9 am.

Example 8—Average Egg Weight—Lighting Option One

0158Table 9 shows a comparison of the average bird weight of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option One (Table 1) when compared with the commercial average bird weight.

0159As shown in Table 9 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, the average egg weight comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with an average weight of 1.495 oz., at 20 weeks, average egg weight was 1.803 oz., with average egg weight reaching 2.00 oz. at week 25, increasing to 2.10 oz. in week 29, 2.17 oz. in week 35. Conversely, the average egg weight of eggs produced under the commercial comparison lighting system showed at average egg weight of 1.65 oz. in week 21, 1.90 oz. in week 24, 1.99 in week 25 and maxing out at 2.13 in week 35. As shown in Table 8, eggs produced under lighting of the technology of current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 with an average increased egg weight of 0.07 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0160<tables id="TABLE-US-00009" num="00009"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 9</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg weight in ounces (oz.)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Average egg weight</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>using the technology</entry><entry>Commercial</entry><entry>Difference</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>of the present</entry><entry>Comparison</entry><entry>between</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>disclosure</entry><entry>Avg. weight</entry><entry>systems</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="5"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="42pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="49pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0.00</entry><entry>0.00</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>1.495</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1.803387097</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1.882093023</entry><entry>1.653333333</entry><entry>0.23</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1.864893617</entry><entry>1.795555556</entry><entry>0.07</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>1.835612245</entry><entry>1.866666667</entry><entry>−0.03</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>1.994117647</entry><entry>1.902222222</entry><entry>0.09</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>2.001196429</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry><entry>0.01</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>2.032075472</entry><entry>1.973333333</entry><entry>0.06</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>2.081696429</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry><entry>0.08</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>2.066727273</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry><entry>0.07</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>2.106071429</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry><entry>0.10</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>2.004351852</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry><entry>−0.02</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>2.099636364</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry><entry>0.07</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>2.1074</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry><entry>0.06</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>2.119181818</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry><entry>0.07</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>2.150740741</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry><entry>0.11</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>2.17</entry><entry>2.133333333</entry><entry>0.04</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>2.169636364</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry><entry>0.12</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="154pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Average difference</entry><entry>0.07 oz.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 9—Average Egg Weight—Lighting Option Two

0161Table 10 shows a comparison of the average egg weight of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Two (Table 1) when compared with average egg weight in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0162As shown in Table 10 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>, the average egg weight comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with an average weight of 1.52 oz., at 20 weeks, average egg weight was 1.65 oz., with average egg weight reaching 1.86 oz. at week 25, increasing to 1.95 oz. in week 29, and 2.03 oz. in week 35. Conversely, the average egg weight of eggs produced under the commercial comparison lighting system showed at average egg weight of 1.65 oz. in week 21, 1.90 oz. in week 24, 1.99 in week 25 and maxing out at 2.13 in week 35.

0163<tables id="TABLE-US-00010" num="00010"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 10</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg weight in ounces (oz.)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 2</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Average egg weight</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>with current application</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>system</entry><entry>Avg. weight</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry /><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>1.515</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1.652916667</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1.78125</entry><entry>1.653333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1.828173077</entry><entry>1.795555556</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>1.849907407</entry><entry>1.866666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>1.866574074</entry><entry>1.902222222</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>1.861980769</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>1.916909091</entry><entry>1.973333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>1.926574074</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>1.9305</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>1.955784314</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>2.004351852</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>2.012909091</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>1.977980769</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>2.062980769</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>2.061326531</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>2.0282</entry><entry>2.133333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>2.016923077</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 10—Average Egg Weight—Lighting Option Three

0164Table 11 shows a comparison of the average egg weight of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Three (Table 1) when compared with average egg weight in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0165As shown in Table 11 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref>, the average egg weight comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with an average weight of 1.54 oz., at 20 weeks the average egg weight was 1.70 oz., with average egg weight reaching 2.00 oz. at week 28, increasing to 2.04 oz. in week 32, and 2.11 oz. in week 35. Conversely, the average egg weight of eggs produced under the commercial comparison lighting system showed at average egg weight of 1.65 oz. in week 21, 1.90 oz. in week 24, 1.99 in week 25 and maxing out at 2.13 in week 35.

0166<tables id="TABLE-US-00011" num="00011"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 11</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg weight in ounces (oz.)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 3</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Average egg weight</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>with current application</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>system</entry><entry>Avg. weight</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry /><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>1.42</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1.5445</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1.695556</entry><entry>1.653333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1.774063</entry><entry>1.795555556</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>1.834091</entry><entry>1.866666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>1.878125</entry><entry>1.902222222</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>1.901545</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>1.938173</entry><entry>1.973333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>1.960741</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>2.000545</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>2.011415</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>2.003396</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>2.036161</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>2.046132</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>1.993491</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>2.011038</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>2.113235</entry><entry>2.133333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>2.058627</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 11—Average Egg Weight—Lighting Option Four

0167Table 12 shows a comparison of the average egg weight of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Four (Table 1) when compared with average egg weight in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0168As shown in Table 12 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, the average egg weight comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with an average weight of 1.61 oz., at 20 weeks the average egg weight was 1.61 oz., with average egg weight reaching 2.02 oz. at week 32, and increasing to 2.06 oz. in week 34. Conversely, the average egg weight of eggs produced under the commercial comparison lighting system showed at average egg weight of 1.65 oz. in week 21, 1.90 oz. in week 24, 1.99 in week 25 and maxing out at 2.13 in week 35.

0169<tables id="TABLE-US-00012" num="00012"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 12</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg weight in ounces (oz.)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 4</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Average egg weight</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>with current application</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>system</entry><entry>Avg. weight</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry /><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>1.515</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1.609643</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1.684375</entry><entry>1.653333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1.756034</entry><entry>1.795555556</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>1.797273</entry><entry>1.866666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>1.844906</entry><entry>1.902222222</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>1.833667</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>1.884364</entry><entry>1.973333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>1.888611</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>1.895115</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>1.926273</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>1.971434</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>1.985392</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>2.020192</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>2.03</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>2.055096</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>1.98283</entry><entry>2.133333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>2.024278</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 12—Average Egg Weight—Lighting Option Five

0170Table 13 shows a comparison of the average egg weight of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Five (Table 1) when compared with average egg weight in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0171As shown in Table 13 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, the average egg weight comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with an average weight of 1.594 oz., at 20 weeks, average egg weight was 1.692 oz., with average egg weight reaching 2.00 oz. at week 29, and increasing to 2.08 oz. in week 33. Conversely, the average egg weight of eggs produced under the commercial comparison lighting system showed at average egg weight of 1.65 oz. in week 21, 1.90 oz. in week 24, 1.99 in week 25 and maxing out at 2.13 in week 35. As shown in Table 8, eggs produced under lighting of the technology of current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 with an average increased egg weight of 0.07 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0172<tables id="TABLE-US-00013" num="00013"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 13</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg weight in ounces (oz.)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 5</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Average egg weight</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>with current application</entry><entry>Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>system</entry><entry>Avg. weight</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0.00</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>1.594</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1.692619048</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1.806857143</entry><entry>1.653333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1.859791667</entry><entry>1.795555556</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>1.876759259</entry><entry>1.866666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>1.912857143</entry><entry>1.902222222</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>1.918545455</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>1.925784314</entry><entry>1.973333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>1.961944444</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>1.992181818</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>2.009732143</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>2.044722222</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>2.040982143</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>2.041673077</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>2.080092593</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>2.028823529</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>2.081090909</entry><entry>2.133333333</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>2.052075472</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 13—Average Egg Weight—Lighting Option Six

0173Table 13 shows a comparison of the average egg weight of the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Six (Table 1) when compared with average egg weight in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0174As shown in Table 14 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, the average egg weight comparison began with birds (chickens) 18 weeks old. Birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application showed egg production beginning in week 19, with an average weight of 1.634 oz., at 20 weeks, average egg weight was 1.728 oz., with average egg weight reaching 2.00 oz. at week 25, increasing to 2.10 oz. in week 33 and continuing to increase to 2.17 oz. by week 36. Conversely, the average egg weight of eggs produced under the commercial comparison lighting system showed at average egg weight of 1.65 oz. in week 21, 1.90 oz. in week 24, 1.99 in week 25 and maxing out at 2.13 in week 35. As shown in Table 8, eggs produced under lighting of the technology of current application produced eggs from weeks 18 to 36 with an average increased egg weight of 0.07 when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0175<tables id="TABLE-US-00014" num="00014"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 14</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average egg weight in ounces (oz.)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 6</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="91pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Average egg weight with</entry><entry>Commercial Comparison</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>current application system</entry><entry>Avg. weight</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="91pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>0</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>1.634</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1.7282</entry><entry>0.00</entry></row><row><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1.821857143</entry><entry>1.653333333</entry></row><row><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1.865098039</entry><entry>1.795555556</entry></row><row><entry>Week 23</entry><entry>1.934224138</entry><entry>1.866666667</entry></row><row><entry>Week 24</entry><entry>1.958113208</entry><entry>1.902222222</entry></row><row><entry>Week 25</entry><entry>2.001734694</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry>Week 26</entry><entry>2.011440678</entry><entry>1.973333333</entry></row><row><entry>Week 27</entry><entry>2.024074074</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry>Week 28</entry><entry>2.046415094</entry><entry>1.991111111</entry></row><row><entry>Week 29</entry><entry>2.056574074</entry><entry>2.008888889</entry></row><row><entry>Week 30</entry><entry>2.108888889</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry>Week 31</entry><entry>2.09</entry><entry>2.026666667</entry></row><row><entry>Week 32</entry><entry>2.10</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry>Week 33</entry><entry>2.12</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry>Week 34</entry><entry>2.16</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry>Week 35</entry><entry>2.13</entry><entry>2.133333333</entry></row><row><entry>Week 36</entry><entry>2.17</entry><entry>2.044444444</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 14—Average Egg Weight—Comparison with Standard Lighting and Time

0176Example 14 provides a comparison study of average egg weight. The study was conducted in Greeley, Colo. in the summer of 2016 using three lighting system, the Lighting Option 4 (shown in Table 1) of the lighting method of the current disclosure but on a standard commercial day/night cycle (15 hours ON at week 17 with a 15 minute increase each week), a control with standard fluorescent lighting on a standard commercial day/night cycle, and Lighting Option 4 using the lighting method of the current disclosure.

0177Eggs were produced in compliance with the United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines using various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets. Birds were housed in cages in blackout grow tents, with one bird per cage, and eight birds per tent. Birds were fed an all-natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times for the commercial comparison birds.

0178As shown in Table 15 below (and in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>), birds in the comparison produced small eggs (1.12 oz) (categorized as “PeeWee” by the USDA sizing, see United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs, AMS 56, Jul. 20, 2000) starting in week 17 with the control, however “PeeWee” eggs are not commercially viable. However, birds grown under Lighting Option 4 (24 hour (column 4)) quickly reached a commercially viable size of “Medium” at 1.82 oz per egg by week 21 and increased in weight to 1.87 oz per egg week 22. Lighting option 4 using standard commercial day/night timing, also reach a “Medium” weight of 1.76 oz per egg by week 22. The Control group reach a weight of 1.75 oz per by week 22 with the commercial average, shown in column 5 showing average commercial egg weights reaching a “Medium” by week 21.

0179<tables id="TABLE-US-00015" num="00015"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 15</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average Egg Weight (oz)</entry></row><row><entry>Comparison Study with Commercial Control</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="5"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Lighting Option 4</entry><entry /><entry>Lighting</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>with commercial</entry><entry /><entry>option 4 on a</entry><entry>Commercial</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>standard timing</entry><entry>Control</entry><entry>24 hour cycle</entry><entry>Average</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="5"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="5" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Week 17</entry><entry /><entry>1.12</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>Week 18</entry><entry /><entry>1.52</entry><entry>1.51</entry><entry>1.57</entry></row><row><entry>Week 19</entry><entry /><entry>1.47</entry><entry>1.65</entry><entry>1.61</entry></row><row><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1.47</entry><entry>1.57</entry><entry>1.69</entry><entry>1.65</entry></row><row><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1.63</entry><entry>1.70</entry><entry>1.82</entry><entry>1.75</entry></row><row><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1.76</entry><entry>1.75</entry><entry>1.87</entry><entry>1.84</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="5" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Increased Average Bird Weight

0180Six chicken weight gain over time studies were conducted in Greeley, Colo. in the winter and spring of 2016 using the lighting system and method of the current disclosure and compared standard commercial chicken weights for white leghorn varieties over the same period when raised under standard commercially available lights (see Hy-Line International, January 2016).

0181Birds raised under the lighting of the system and methods of the current disclosure were raised in compliance with the United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines using various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets. Birds were housed in cages in blackout grow tents, with one bird per cage, and eight birds per tent. Birds were fed an all-natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times for the commercial comparison birds. Bird weights were captured using a common hanging scale and measured on a weekly basis, Tuesday mornings at 9 am.

Example 15—Average Bird Weight—Lighting Option One

0182Table 16 shows a comparison of the average bird (chicken) weight from 20 weeks to 31 weeks for birds housed and grown under the system and method of the current application using lighting Option One (shown in Table 1) when compared with the average bird weight (chicken) to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0183Various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets were used for the system of the current application. Birds were fed all natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times with standard commercial practice. No hormones or stimulants were used.

0184As shown in Table 16 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref>, the comparison began with 20 week old birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application which showed an average weight 1440 g beginning in week 20, whereas the breed standard weight at 20 weeks is 1380 g. At 22 weeks, the average bird weight of the system of the present application was 1505 g, where the breed standard weight is 1460 g. At 25 weeks, the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1520 g, compared to 1490 g for the breed standard weight. At 31 weeks, the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1537.5 g, compared to 1520 g for the breed standard weight. Please note that a power failure at the bird housing facility at week 26 prevented a measure of birds for the week and caused a loss of weight in week 27 due to stress. As shown in Table 14, an, increase in average bird weight of 12 g per week was shown in birds raised under the lighting of the current application when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0185<tables id="TABLE-US-00016" num="00016"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 16</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average bird weight in grams (g)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="63pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Bird Avg. Weight</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>(g) using system of</entry><entry /><entry>Difference</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>the present</entry><entry>Breed Standard</entry><entry>in bird weight</entry></row><row><entry>Age</entry><entry>application</entry><entry>Weight (g)</entry><entry>between systems</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="63pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>20 Weeks</entry><entry>1440</entry><entry>1380</entry><entry>60 g</entry></row><row><entry>21 Weeks</entry><entry>1465</entry><entry>1430</entry><entry>35 g</entry></row><row><entry>22 Weeks</entry><entry>1505</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>45 g</entry></row><row><entry>23 Weeks</entry><entry>1505</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>35 g</entry></row><row><entry>24 Weeks</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>1480</entry><entry>30 g</entry></row><row><entry>25 Weeks</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>1490</entry><entry>30 g</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="175pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>26 weeks</entry><entry>No data due to power outage</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="63pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>27 Weeks</entry><entry>1465</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>−45 g  </entry></row><row><entry>28 Weeks</entry><entry>1532.5</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>22.5 g  </entry></row><row><entry>29 Weeks</entry><entry>1507.5</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>−13.5 g    </entry></row><row><entry>30 Weeks</entry><entry>1527.5</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>7.5 g </entry></row><row><entry>31 Weeks</entry><entry>1537.5</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>17.5 g  </entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="161pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Average weight difference over time</entry><entry>12 g</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 16—Average Bird Weight—Lighting Option Two

0186Table 17 shows a comparison of the average bird (chicken) weight from 20 weeks to 31 weeks for birds housed and raised under the system and method of the current application using lighting option two (shown in Table 1) when compared with the average bird weight (chicken) to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0187Various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets were used for the system of the current application. Birds were fed all natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times with standard commercial practice. No hormones or stimulants were used.

0188As shown in Table 17 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref>, the comparison began with 20 week old birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application which showed an average weight 1407.5 g beginning in week 20, whereas the breed standard weight at 20 weeks is 1380 g. At 22 weeks, the average bird weight of the system of the present application was 1440 g, where the breed standard weight is 1460 g. At 25 weeks, the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1460 g, compared to 1490 g for the breed standard weight. At 31 weeks, the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1515.0 g, compared to 1520 g for the breed standard weight. Please note that a power failure at the bird housing facility at week 26 prevented a measure of bird week for the week and caused a loss of weight in week 27 due to stress.

0189<tables id="TABLE-US-00017" num="00017"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 17</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average bird weight in grams (g)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 2</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry /><entry>Bird Avg. Weight (g)</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>using system of the</entry><entry>Breed Standard</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Age</entry><entry>present application</entry><entry>Weight (g)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>20 Weeks</entry><entry>1407.5</entry><entry>1380</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>21 Weeks</entry><entry>1420</entry><entry>1430</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>22 Weeks</entry><entry>1440</entry><entry>1460</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>23 Weeks</entry><entry>1435</entry><entry>1470</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>24 Weeks</entry><entry>1455</entry><entry>1480</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>25 Weeks</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>1490</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="133pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="14pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>26 Weeks</entry><entry>No data due to power outage</entry><entry /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>27 Weeks</entry><entry>1433.75</entry><entry>1510</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>28 Weeks</entry><entry>1487.5</entry><entry>1510</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>29 Weeks</entry><entry>1452.5</entry><entry>1520</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>30 Weeks</entry><entry>1477.5</entry><entry>1520</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>31 Weeks</entry><entry>1515</entry><entry>1520</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 17—Average Bird Weight—Lighting Option Three

0190Table 18 shows a comparison of the average bird (chicken) weight from 20 weeks to 31 weeks for birds housed and raised under the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Three (shown in Table 1) when compared with the average bird weight (chicken) to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0191Various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets were used for the system of the current application. Birds were fed all natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times with standard commercial practice. No hormones or stimulants were used.

0192As shown in Table 18 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref>, the comparison began with 20 week old birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application which showed an average weight 1445 g beginning in week 20, whereas the breed standard weight at 20 weeks is 1380 g. At 22 weeks the average bird weight of the system of the present application was 1470 g, where the breed stand weight is 1460 g. At 25 weeks the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1470 g, compared to 1490 g for the breed standard weight. At 31 weeks the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1520 g, compared to 1520 g for the breed standard weight. Please note that a power failure at the bird housing facility at week 26 prevented a measure of birds for the week and caused a loss of weight in week 27 due to stress. As shown in Table 16, an increase in average bird weight of 3.2 g per week was shown in birds raised under the lighting of the current application when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0193<tables id="TABLE-US-00018" num="00018"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 18</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average bird weight in grams (g)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 3</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Bird Avg. Weight</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>(g) using system</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>of the present</entry><entry>Breed Standard</entry><entry>Difference in bird weight</entry></row><row><entry>Age</entry><entry>application</entry><entry>Weight (g)</entry><entry>between systems</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>20 Weeks</entry><entry>1445</entry><entry>1380</entry><entry>65</entry></row><row><entry>21 Weeks</entry><entry>1495</entry><entry>1430</entry><entry>65</entry></row><row><entry>22 Weeks</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>10</entry></row><row><entry>23 Weeks</entry><entry>1465</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>−5</entry></row><row><entry>24 Weeks</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>1480</entry><entry>−20</entry></row><row><entry>25 Weeks</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>1490</entry><entry>−20</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="105pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>26 Weeks</entry><entry>No data due to power outage</entry><entry>0</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>27 Weeks</entry><entry>1462.5</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>−47.5</entry></row><row><entry>28 Weeks</entry><entry>1540</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>30</entry></row><row><entry>29 Weeks</entry><entry>1507.5</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>−12.5</entry></row><row><entry>30 Weeks</entry><entry>1490</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>−30</entry></row><row><entry>31 Weeks</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>0</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="140pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Average weight difference over time</entry><entry>3.2</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 18—Average Bird Weight—Lighting Option Four

0194Table 19 shows a comparison of the average bird (chicken) weight from 20 weeks to 31 weeks for birds housed and raised under the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Four (shown in Table 1) when compared with the average bird weight (chicken) to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0195Various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets were used for the system of the current application. Birds were fed all natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times with standard commercial practice. No hormones or stimulants were used.

0196As shown in Table 19 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref>, the comparison began with 20 week old birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application which showed an average weight 1445 g beginning in week 20, whereas the breed standard weight at 20 weeks is 1380 g. At 22 weeks, the average bird weight of the system of the present application was 1470 g, where the breed standard weight is 1460 g. At 25 weeks, the average bird weight of bird raised under the system of the present application was 1470 g, compared to 1490 g for the breed standard weight. At 31 weeks, the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1520 g, compared to 1520 g for the breed standard weight. Please note that a power failure at the bird housing facility at week 26 prevented a measure of birds for the week and caused a loss of weight in week 27 due to stress. As shown in Table 17, an increase in average bird weight of 66.1 g per week was shown in birds raised under the lighting of the current application when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0197<tables id="TABLE-US-00019" num="00019"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 19</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average bird weight in grams (g)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 4</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Bird Avg. Weight</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>(g) using system</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>of the present</entry><entry>Breed Standard</entry><entry>Difference in bird weight</entry></row><row><entry>Age</entry><entry>application</entry><entry>Weight (g)</entry><entry>between systems</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>20 Weeks</entry><entry>1390</entry><entry>1380</entry><entry>10 g</entry></row><row><entry>21 Weeks</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>1430</entry><entry>30 g</entry></row><row><entry>22 Weeks</entry><entry>1545</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>85 g</entry></row><row><entry>23 Weeks</entry><entry>1555</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>85 g</entry></row><row><entry>24 Weeks</entry><entry>1565</entry><entry>1480</entry><entry>85 g</entry></row><row><entry>25 Weeks</entry><entry>1580</entry><entry>1490</entry><entry>90 g</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="182pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>26 Weeks</entry><entry>No data due to power outage</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>27 Weeks</entry><entry>1545</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>35 g</entry></row><row><entry>28 Weeks</entry><entry>1602.5</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>92.5 g  </entry></row><row><entry>29 Weeks</entry><entry>1570</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>50 g</entry></row><row><entry>30 Weeks</entry><entry>1585</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>65 g</entry></row><row><entry>31 Weeks</entry><entry>1620</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>100 g </entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="140pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Average weight difference over time</entry><entry>66.1 g  </entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 19—Average Bird Weight—Lighting Option Five

0198Table 20 shows a comparison of the average bird (chicken) weight from 20 weeks to 31 weeks for birds housed and raised under the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Five (shown in Table 1) when compared with the average bird weight (chicken) to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0199Various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets were used for the system of the current application. Birds were fed all natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times with standard commercial practice. No hormones or stimulants were used.

0200As shown in Table 20 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref>, the comparison began with 20 week old birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application showed an average weight 1475 g beginning in week 20, whereas the breed standard weight at 20 weeks is 1380 g. At 22 weeks, the average bird weight of the system of the present application was 1485 g, where the breed standard weight is 1460 g. At 25 weeks, the average bird weight of a bird raised under the system of the present application was 1505 g, compared to 1490 g for the breed standard weight. At 31 weeks, the average bird weight of bird raised under the system of the present application was 1547.5 g, compared to 1520 g for the breed standard weight. Please note that a power failure at the bird housing facility at week 26 prevented a measure of birds for the week and caused a loss of weight in week 27 due to stress. As shown in Table 18, an increase in average bird weight 21.5 g per week was shown in birds raised under the lighting of the current application when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0201<tables id="TABLE-US-00020" num="00020"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 20</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average bird weight in grams (g)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 5</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Bird Avg. Weight (g)</entry><entry>Breed</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>using system of the</entry><entry>Standard</entry><entry>Difference in bird weight</entry></row><row><entry>Age</entry><entry>present application</entry><entry>Weight (g)</entry><entry>between systems</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>20 Weeks</entry><entry>1475</entry><entry>1380</entry><entry>95 g</entry></row><row><entry>21 Weeks</entry><entry>1495</entry><entry>1430</entry><entry>65 g</entry></row><row><entry>22 Weeks</entry><entry>1485</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>25 g</entry></row><row><entry>23 Weeks</entry><entry>1495</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>25 g</entry></row><row><entry>24 Weeks</entry><entry>1495</entry><entry>1480</entry><entry>15 g</entry></row><row><entry>25 Weeks</entry><entry>1505</entry><entry>1490</entry><entry>15 g</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="182pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>26 Weeks</entry><entry>No data due to power outage</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>27 Weeks</entry><entry>1481.25</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>−28.75 g    </entry></row><row><entry>28 Weeks</entry><entry>1522.5</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>12.5 g  </entry></row><row><entry>29 Weeks</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>−10 g  </entry></row><row><entry>30 Weeks</entry><entry>1515</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>−5 g</entry></row><row><entry>31 Weeks</entry><entry>1547.5</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>27.5 g  </entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="140pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Average weight difference over time</entry><entry>21.5 g  </entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 20—Average Bird Weight—Lighting Option Six

0202Table 21 shows a comparison of the average bird (chicken) weight from 20 weeks to 31 weeks for birds housed and raised under the system and method of the current application using lighting Option Six (shown in Table 1) when compared with the average bird weight (chicken) to the total number of birds in a conventional production facility using conventional commercial lighting.

0203Various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets were used for the system of the current application. Birds were fed all natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times with standard commercial practice. No hormones or stimulants were used.

0204As shown in Table 21 and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref>, the comparison began with 20 week old birds raised under the lighting of the system of the current application which showed an average weight 1435 g beginning in week 20, whereas the breed standard weight at 20 weeks is 1380 g. At 22 weeks, the average bird weight of the system of the present application was 1460 g, where the breed stand weight is 1460 g. At 25 weeks, the average bird weight of bird raised under the system of the present application was 1475 g, compared to 1490 g for the breed standard weight. At 31 weeks, the average bird weight of bird raised under the system of the present application was 1587.5 g, compared to 1520 g for the breed standard weight. Please note that a power failure at the bird housing facility at week 26 prevented a measure of bird week for the week and caused a loss of weight in week 27 due to stress. As shown in Table 19, an average increase average bird weight 13.16 g per week was shown in birds grown under the lighting of the current application when compared to birds grown or living under a commercial lighting system.

0205<tables id="TABLE-US-00021" num="00021"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 21</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average bird weight in grams (g)</entry></row><row><entry>Lighting Option 6</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Bird Avg. Weight</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>(g) using system</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>of the present</entry><entry>Breed Standard</entry><entry>Difference in bird weight</entry></row><row><entry>Age</entry><entry>application</entry><entry>Weight (g)</entry><entry>between systems</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>20 Weeks</entry><entry>1435</entry><entry>1380</entry><entry>55 g</entry></row><row><entry>21 Weeks</entry><entry>1455</entry><entry>1430</entry><entry>25 g</entry></row><row><entry>22 Weeks</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>1460</entry><entry>0</entry></row><row><entry>23 Weeks</entry><entry>1490</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>20 g</entry></row><row><entry>24 Weeks</entry><entry>1470</entry><entry>1480</entry><entry>−10 g  </entry></row><row><entry>25 Weeks</entry><entry>1475</entry><entry>1490</entry><entry>−15 g  </entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="182pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>26 Weeks</entry><entry>No data due to power outage</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>27 Weeks</entry><entry>1482.5</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>−27.75 g    </entry></row><row><entry>28 Weeks</entry><entry>1527.5</entry><entry>1510</entry><entry>17.5 g  </entry></row><row><entry>29 Weeks</entry><entry>1522.5</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>2.5 g </entry></row><row><entry>30 Weeks</entry><entry>1530</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>10 g</entry></row><row><entry>31 Weeks</entry><entry>1587.5</entry><entry>1520</entry><entry>67.5 g  </entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="140pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Average weight difference over time</entry><entry>13.16 g  </entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 21—Average Bird Weight—Comparison with Standard Lighting and Time

0206Example 21 provides a comparison study of average bird weight in grams. The study was conducted in Greeley, Colo. in the summer of 2016 using three lighting systems: Lighting Option 4 (shown in Table 1) of the lighting method of the current disclosure but on a standard commercial day/night cycle (15 hours ON at week 17 with a 15 minute increase each week), a control with standard fluorescent lighting on a standard commercial day/night cycle, and Lighting Option 4 and Option 5 using the lighting method of the current disclosure.

0207Birds produced under the system of the present application described herein were produced in compliance with the United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines using various strains of white leghorn varieties raised from pullets. Birds were housed in cages in blackout grow tents, with one bird per cage, and eight birds per tent. Birds were fed an all-natural, 100% vegetarian diet comprised predominantly of corn, soybean meal, limestone, vitamins and minerals, matching the diets, feeding and watering times for the commercial comparison birds.

0208Birds raised under Lighting Option 4 on a 24 hour cycle were raised under Lighting Option 4 from weeks 13 to 16 and then switched to Lighting Option 5.

0209Birds raised under Lighting Option 4 on a standard commercial day/night cycle our cycle were raised under Lighting Option 5 from weeks 13 to 16 and then switched to Lighting Option 6.

0210As shown in Table 22 below (and in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>) birds in the comparison grown under Lighting Option 4 on a 24 hour cycle consistently weighed more than birds raised under the control lighting once the lighting was changed to Option 5 at week 16. This was also true for birds raised under Lighting Option 4 on a standard day/night cycle once their lighting was changed to Option 6 at week 16.

0211<tables id="TABLE-US-00022" num="00022"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 22</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Average Bird Weight (g)</entry></row><row><entry>Comparison Study with Commercial Control</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="63pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Lighting Option 4</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>with commercial</entry><entry /><entry>Lighting option 4 on a</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>standard timing</entry><entry>Control</entry><entry>24 hour cycle</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="42pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="63pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="77pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>Week 17</entry><entry>922.5</entry><entry>945</entry><entry>987.5</entry></row><row><entry>Week 18</entry><entry>950</entry><entry>1012.5</entry><entry>1017.5</entry></row><row><entry>Week 19</entry><entry>1020</entry><entry>1057.5</entry><entry>1037.5</entry></row><row><entry>Week 20</entry><entry>1045</entry><entry>1047.5</entry><entry>1060</entry></row><row><entry>Week 21</entry><entry>1082.5</entry><entry>1080</entry><entry>1122.5</entry></row><row><entry>Week 22</entry><entry>1132.5</entry><entry>1107.5</entry><entry>1165</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Example 22—Early Sexual Maturity in Female Birds

0212Visual studies of birds grown under the system of the present disclosure (such as lighting option 4) has shown earlier sexual maturity in birds when compared to the time of sexual maturity for birds grown under standard commercial lighting. Visual observations have shown that the combs, located on the top of the female birds, reach a larger size and with more symmetry, on birds that are grown under lights of the present disclosure.

0213The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.